Methods and systems for analyzing a liquid medium

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for colorimetrically analyzing a liquid medium by analyzing chemical test strip images are provided. The liquid medium can be industrial water in an industrial water system. Image analyzing software carries out the analysis. The results of the analysis can be used to diagnosing a chemical treatment regimen of the industrial water system. A chemical test strip holder can be used to enhance reliability and repeatability of the imaging process and/or subsequent analysis.

FIELD

The disclosure is directed toward analyzing chemical species in a liquidmedium using a chemical test strip and an imaging device.

BACKGROUND

Advances in digital imaging and communication have grown considerablyover the last fifteen years. The disclosure at hand is directedgenerally toward digital imaging technology, and is particularlysuitable for hand held devices such as a mobile phone that incorporatesa camera. It was nearly unheard of to have a camera on a mobile phone in1998. Such technology was expensive and the resolution at that time waspoor in comparison to that found on more modern devices. With theadvances in imaging devices and microelectronics, it is now commonplacefor a person to have a mobile phone that incorporates a reasonably highresolution camera. While modern mobile phones are regularly used to takeand share pictures of families and friends, such devices may be used forother purposes. In accordance with the general inventive concepts, onesuch purpose is to capture and perhaps analyze a digital image forscientific or industrial purposes.

SUMMARY

In a first exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directedtoward a method of colorimetrically determining a concentration of atleast one chemical species in a liquid medium. The method comprisesproviding a chemical test strip comprising a reactive zone, an imagingdevice, and image analyzing software. The reactive zone of the chemicaltest strip is exposed to at least a portion of the liquid medium therebycreating a post-exposure reactive zone. The post-exposure reactive zoneis then imaged using the imaging device thereby creating a digital imageof the post-exposure reactive zone. Optionally, the digital image may becropped thereby isolating a portion of the image for analysis. At leastthe portion of the digital image of the post-exposure reactive zone isanalyzed using the image analyzing software to determine theconcentration of the at least one chemical species. The image analyzingsoftware analyzes at least one colorimetric parameter of the digitalimage to determine the concentration of the at least one chemicalspecies within the liquid medium. Optionally, the determinedconcentration of the at least one chemical species of the liquid mediumis output, and action may be optionally taken to implement chemicaltreatment based on the determined concentration.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directedtoward a corresponding system for colorimetrically determining aconcentration of at least one chemical species in a liquid medium. Thesystem comprises a chemical test strip, an imaging device, and imageanalyzing software. The chemical test strip has a reactive zone suitablefor exposure to the liquid medium. The imaging device is capable ofcreating a digital image of the reactive zone of the chemical test stripafter the reactive zone has been exposed to the liquid medium. The imageanalyzing software is capable of analyzing at least one colorimetricparameter of the digital image of the reactive zone. The image analyzingsoftware is also capable of determining the concentration of the atleast one chemical species in the liquid medium based on the analysis ofthe at least one colorimetric parameter.

In a third exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directedtoward an apparatus for holding a chemical test strip having at leastone reactive zone. The apparatus comprises a chemical test strip holderand a battery-powered light emitting diode. The chemical test stripholder has an opening that allows a chemical test strip to be displayedat a given distance within an imaging chamber created by the chemicaltest strip holder. The battery-powered light emitting diode is locatedwithin the imaging chamber and behind the opening of the chemical teststrip holder. The battery-powered light emitting diode is capable ofshining light from behind the at least one reactive zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will becomemore readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant artafter reviewing the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an imaging device imaginga reactive zone of a chemical test strip;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a chemical test stripholder that may be utilized to practice certain embodiments of thedisclosed methods and systems;

FIG. 3 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 when assembled;

FIG. 4a shows a facing view of the inside of the exemplary embodiment ofthe test strip stabilizer illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3; and

FIG. 4b shows a top cutaway view of the inside (i.e., top wall removed)of the exemplary embodiment of the test strip stabilizer illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3, and 4 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While embodiments encompassing the general inventive concepts may takevarious forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter bedescribed various embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered merely an exemplification and is notintended to be limited to the specific embodiments.

As it pertains to the present disclosure, “logic” (synonymous with“circuit”) includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware,software, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or anaction(s). For example, based on a desired application or needs, logicmay include a software controlled microprocessor, discreet logic such asan application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or other programmedlogic device. In some instances, logic could also be fully embodied assoftware.

As it pertains to the present disclosure, “software” or “computerprogram” refer to one or more computer readable and/or executableinstructions that cause a computer or other electronic device to performfunctions, actions, and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructionsmay be embodied in various forms such as routines, algorithms, modules,or programs including separate applications or code from dynamicallylinked libraries. Software may also be implemented in various forms suchas a stand-alone program, a function call, a servlet, an applet,instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system, or othertype of executable instructions. It will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art that the form of software is dependent on, forexample, requirements of a desired application, the environmentexecuting the program, and/or the desires of a designer/programmer orthe like.

As it pertains to this disclosure, “computer” or “processing unit”includes, but is not limited to, any programmed or programmableelectronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data.

As it pertains to the present disclosure, “industrial water” is waterthat is used in some capacity in an industrial process. Non-limitingexamples of industrial water include water used in a primary industrialprocess (i.e., one that makes an intermediate or product) or a secondaryindustrial process such as a heating or cooling system, which includesbut is not limited to water that is added to, passed through, circulatedin, or removed from an aqueous cooling system, a boiler system, a hotwater system, and the like.

As it pertains to this disclosure, “change color” refers to the actionof becoming a different color or a different shade of the same color. Bychanging color, a post-exposure reactive zone can provide an indicationof the presence and possibly concentration of a chemical species withina liquid medium. For an exposure zone, a change in color indicates thatthe test strip has been exposed to a liquid medium.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directedtoward a method of colorimetrically determining a concentration of atleast one chemical species in a liquid medium. The method comprisesproviding a chemical test strip comprising a reactive zone, an imagingdevice, and image analyzing software. The reactive zone of the chemicaltest strip is exposed to at least a portion of the liquid medium therebycreating a post-exposure reactive zone. The post-exposure reactive zoneis then imaged using the imaging device thereby creating a digital imageof the post-exposure reactive zone. Optionally, the digital image may becropped thereby isolating a portion of the image for analysis. At leastthe portion of the digital image of the post-exposure reactive zone isanalyzed using the image analyzing software to determine theconcentration of the at least one chemical species. The image analyzingsoftware analyzes at least one colorimetric parameter of the digitalimage to determine the concentration of the at least one chemicalspecies within the liquid medium. Optionally, the determinedconcentration of the at least one chemical species of the liquid mediumis output, and action may be optionally taken to implement chemicaltreatment based on the determined concentration.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directedtoward a corresponding system for colorimetrically determining aconcentration of at least one chemical species in a liquid medium. Thesystem comprises a chemical test strip, an imaging device, and imageanalyzing software. The chemical test strip has a reactive zone suitablefor exposure to the liquid medium. The imaging device is capable ofcreating a digital image of the reactive zone of the chemical test stripafter the reactive zone has been exposed to the liquid medium. The imageanalyzing software is capable of analyzing at least one colorimetricparameter of the digital image of the reactive zone. The image analyzingsoftware is also capable of determining the concentration of the atleast one chemical species in the liquid medium based on the analysis ofthe at least one colorimetric parameter.

In a third exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is directedtoward an apparatus for holding a chemical test strip having at leastone reactive zone. The apparatus comprises a chemical test strip holderand a battery-powered light emitting diode. The chemical test stripholder has an opening that allows a chemical test strip to be displayedat a given distance within an imaging chamber created by the chemicaltest strip holder. The battery-powered light emitting diode is locatedwithin the imaging chamber and behind the opening of the chemical teststrip holder. The battery-powered light emitting diode is capable ofshining light from behind the at least one reactive zone.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems, aconcentration of a dissolved chemical species in a liquid medium isdetermined via digital imaging analysis. In certain other exemplaryembodiments, a plan of action to maintain efficient operation of anindustrial water system is automatically recommended based on thedigital imaging analysis. In certain exemplary embodiments, therecommended plan of action is to continue with the same chemicaltreatment regimen. In the embodiments that recommend a plan of action,determining the plan of action may requires only one additional stepbeyond determining the chemical species concentration. In other words,in some exemplary embodiments, the plan of action may be determinedbased solely on the determined presence or concentration of a dissolvedchemical species in industrial water.

The aforementioned chemical test strips are commonly used to determinethe concentration of one or more chemical species within any of avariety of liquid media. As it pertains to the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein, “liquid medium” (plural: “liquid media”) refers to anyliquid-comprising substance (e.g., includes slurries) that may contain asoluble or miscible species within the liquid portion of the substance.In order to determine the concentration of the one or more chemicalspecies, a reactive zone on the chemical test strip must be exposed toat least a portion of the liquid medium. In certain exemplaryembodiments the liquid medium is water, which may be industrial water.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the reactive zone of the chemical teststrip is exposed to (e.g., dipped into) a sample of the liquid mediumthat has been removed from an industrial process. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the reactive zone of the chemical test strip is exposed toa liquid medium that is active within an industrial process.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the chemical test strip have at leastone reactive zone that changes color upon exposure to a particularchemical species. Certain other exemplary embodiments of the chemicaltest strip have at least one reactive zone that changes shade of a color(i.e., color intensity). In certain exemplary embodiments, the chemicaltest strip may test for the presence or concentration of a solubleimpurity present in the liquid medium. In certain exemplary embodiments,the chemical test strip may test for the presence or concentration of asoluble treatment chemical in the liquid medium. Non-limiting examplesof chemical test strips include those that are able to test for presenceor concentration of dissolved calcium, acidity (i.e., pH), concentrationof total hardness, chloride concentration, total residual chloride, freechloride residual, ortho-phosphate, m-alkalinity, and p-alkalinity. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the chemical test strip are able to testfor the presence and/or concentration of one or more treatmentchemicals. Non-limiting examples of such test strips include those thattest for the presence and/or concentration of a corrosion inhibitor, adispersant polymer, a biocide, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of corrosion inhibitors include aromatic azoles(e.g., triazoles and aromatic (thio)(tri) azoles). Non-limiting examplesof aromatic azoles include mercaptobenzothiazole (“MBT”), benzotriazole(“BT”), butylbenzothiazole (“BBT”), tolytriazole (“TT”), naphthothiazole(“NTA”) and related compounds.

As it pertains to this disclosure, “dispersion polymer” means awater-soluble polymer dispersed in an aqueous continuous phasecontaining one or more inorganic salts. In the process of dispersionpolymerization, the monomer and the initiator are both soluble in apolymerization medium, but the medium is a poor solvent for theresulting polymer. Accordingly, the reaction mixture is homogeneous atthe onset, and polymerization is initiated in a homogeneous solution.Depending on the solvency of the medium for the resulting oligomers ormacroradicals and macromolecules, phase separation occurs at an earlystage, leading to nucleation and the formation of primary particlescalled “precursors.” The precursors are colloidally stabilized byadsorption of stabilizers. The particles are believed to be swollen bythe polymerization medium and/or the monomer, leading to the formationof spherical particles having a size in the region of about 0.1-10microns. Non-limiting examples of dispersant polymers include thoselisted in and/or defined by U.S. Pat. No. 6,265,477 to Hurlock, thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated in its entirety.

Non-limiting examples of biocides include oxidizing biocides,non-oxidizing biocides, or physical biocides. Physical biocides mayinclude, for example, steam sterilization or ultraviolet radiation.Oxidizing biocides include, but are not limited to, stabilized oxidantsand halogenated oxidants, which may include chlorine bleach; chlorine;bromine; iodine; materials capable of releasing chlorine, bromine,and/or iodine; inorganic peroxides; organic peroxides; chlorine dioxide;ethylene oxide; ozone; chloramines compounds; precursors thereof, andcombinations thereof. Non-oxidizing biocides include, but are notlimited to, quaternary ammonium compounds; glutaraldehyde; isothiazolin;2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol;1-bromo-1-(bromomethyl)-1,3-propanedicarbonitrile;tetrachloroisophthalonitrile; alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride;dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride; didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride;poly(oxyethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylenedichloride; methylene bisthiocyanate; 2-decylthioethanamine;tetrakishydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate; dithiocarbamate;cyanodithioimidocarbonate; 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole-1-ethanol;2-(2-bromo-2-nitroethenyl)furan; beta-bromo-beta-nitrostyrene;beta-nitrostyrene; beta-nitrovinyl furan; 2-bromo-2-bromomethylglutaronitrile, bis(trichloromethyl) sulfone;S-(2-hydroxypropyl)thiomethanesulfonate;tetrahydro-3,5-dimethyl-2H-1,3,5-hydrazine-2-thione;2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole; 2-bromo-4′-hydroxyacetophenone;1,4-bis(bromoacetoxy)-2-butene; bis(tributyltin)oxide;2-(tert-butylamino)-4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-s-triazine; dodecylguanidineacetate; dodecylguanidine hydrochloride; coco alkyldimethylamine oxide;n-coco alkyltrimethylenediamine; tetra-alkyl phosphonium chloride;7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid;4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one;5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one;precursors thereof and combinations thereof.

Because a chemical test strip may be used to test for a chemical speciesthat is not present in the tested liquid medium, it is often importantor otherwise beneficial to have a definitive indication that thechemical test strip has actually been exposed to the liquid medium atissue. For such situations, the chemical test strip may include an“exposure zone,” which is a zone that changes color as previouslydefined when exposed to a known liquid medium, typically water. Certainexemplary embodiments of the chemical test strips may employ an exposurezone to indicate whether the chemical test strip has been exposed to aparticular liquid medium.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the chemical test strips include a“standard zone,” which is a zone on the chemical test strip that is thesame color as a corresponding unexposed reactive zone on the chemicaltest strip. The standard zone gives a reference point for the colorchange of the exposed reactive zone because the standard zone does notchange color upon exposure to the particular chemical species.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the chemical test strip, thepresence or concentration of the at least one chemical species isdetermined via a plurality of post-exposure reactive zones on thechemical test strip. In certain exemplary embodiments, the plurality ofpost-exposure reactive zones provides information related to theconcentration of an individual species within the liquid medium. Forexample, each reactive zone of a chemical test strip having multiplereactive zones may have a certain concentration threshold that must bereached in order for any particular reactive zone to change color.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the plurality of post-exposurereactive zones provides information related to the presence orconcentration of a plurality of individual chemical species within theliquid medium. For example, two chemical species may typically bepresent together in a particular liquid medium. A chemical test stripmay have two reactive zones, one for each of the two chemical species,so that each reactive zone changes color to indicate the concentrationof each chemical species.

In certain exemplary embodiments, a digital image or similar record ofthe at least one reactive zone is created using the imaging device. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the imaging device is a hand held device.In certain exemplary embodiments, the hand held device weighs no morethan 1 lb. In certain exemplary embodiments, creation of the digitalimage is carried out in typical fashion using a digital camera of anytype. In certain exemplary embodiments, the digital camera is a handheld digital camera. In certain exemplary embodiments, the digitalcamera is incorporated into or otherwise operably attached to a mobiledevice (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, media player, etc.). In certainexemplary embodiments, the digital camera is incorporated into orotherwise operably attached to a tablet device. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the digital camera is incorporated into or otherwiseoperably attached to a computer. In certain exemplary embodiments, thecomputer is a desktop computer. In certain exemplary embodiments, thecomputer is a laptop computer.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the image analyzing software has beenincorporated into (e.g., is executed by) the imaging device. In certainexemplary embodiments, the image analyzing software is accessed from alocation remote from the imaging device. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the image analyzing software may be partially incorporatedinto the imaging device and partially accessed from a location remotefrom the imaging device. In certain exemplary embodiments, the image istransmitted via a network, such as a cellular network or the Internet.For some exemplary embodiments, the image analyzing software may includea user interface in the form of an “app” or the like on a mobile device.In certain exemplary embodiments, the app may perform one or more of thefollowing functions: enable storage of data and/or analysis thereof,upload data and/or analysis thereof to a central server or otherspecified location, provide “geo-tagging” of data and/or analysisthereof, and recommend a plan of action (as described herein). Incertain exemplary embodiments, the app may generate reports thatillustrate, describe, and/or summarize the data and/or analysis thereof.In certain exemplary embodiments, the app may perform and reportstatistical analysis calculations related to the data and/or analysisthereof.

As previously discussed, image analyzing software is used to analyze animage of the at least one reactive zone of the chemical test strip. Forexample, the image analyzing software could evaluate a value associatedwith each individual pixel of the image. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the image analyzing software automatically analyzes thedigital image upon its creation. In other words, once the image iscreated, the software analyzes the image without any further user inputor action. For example, such an exemplary embodiment could be carriedout by an “app” or the like installed on or otherwise interfaced with amobile device, a tablet device, a computer, a digital camera, or anyother device employing suitable logic.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the digital image is optionallycropped to isolate a particularly representative section of the digitalimage of the at least one reactive zone, i.e., a section of the at leastone reactive zone that is most likely to indicate the concentration ofthe chemical species at issue. Cropping may be necessary depending oninconsistent exposure of the at least one reactive zone to the liquidmedium or portion thereof, or perhaps for reasons related to the qualityof the chemical test strip employed. In certain exemplary embodiments,the cropping is performed “by hand,” i.e., by a person using the digitalimaging device or another computing device. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the cropping is performed automatically by the imageanalyzing software.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the image analyzing software analyzesat least one colorimetric parameter of the reactive zone of the chemicaltest strip. For example, the at least one colorimetric parameter may beselected from the group consisting of: tint, color value, colorintensity (shade), brightness, contrast, and combinations thereof. Sucha measurement allows for a reliable determination of a concentration ofat least one chemical species within the liquid medium.

The image analyzing software analyzes at least one colorimetricparameter of the digital image by calculating at least one valueassociated with the colorimetric parameter, wherein the at least onevalue corresponds to the concentration of the at least one chemicalspecies present in the liquid medium.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the analysis may be performed by theimage analyzing software as follows. When a digital image is created,the imaging device encodes each pixel of the image into a digital file.The digital image can subsequently be displayed on a monitor or screenby accessing the digital file. The code of the digital file can bemathematically manipulated, where such manipulation may providegenerally more meaningful information (as opposed to the code)corresponding to any one or more of several colorimetric parameters. Forcolor value, a coordinate system may be used to mathematically describethe color of anything, including a digital image or portion thereof. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the coordinate system comprises red,green, and blue values. In certain exemplary embodiments, the analysiscalculates a red value, a green value, and a blue value by mathematicalmanipulation of the code of the image or portion thereof, whereby one ormore of these values are used for mathematical determination of theconcentration of the at least one chemical species in the liquid medium(and optionally the recommended plan of action). In certain exemplaryembodiments, the code of the pixels is analyzed for brightness, with abrightness value calculated according to the analysis (mathematicalmanipulation) of the code of the image or portion thereof. In certainexemplary embodiments, the combination of color and brightness values isanalyzed. In certain exemplary embodiments, the calculated valuesprovide data in standardized units that relates to the at least onecolorimetric parameter. For example, a group of calculated color valuesmay form a coordinate in the Lab color space. One of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that any suitable algorithm for performing theaforementioned image analysis could be used.

For embodiments having multiple zones (reactive zones and/or standardzone and/or exposure zone), images of each zone should be created andcompared or contrasted using the image analyzing software. In certainembodiments, the comparing or contrasting involves performingmathematical functions to manipulate the data of the several digitalimages to provide the information sought by the user. The comparing orcontrasting may sum or average data related to one or more digitalimages depending on the analysis at hand.

The use of a chemical test strip that includes at least one standardzone in addition to the at least one reactive zone allows for activestandardization, i.e., colorimetric analysis by digitally contrastingtwo digital images or two different parts of the same digital image: oneof the standard zone and the other of the reactive zone. Activestandardization provides a way of digitally (i.e., mathematically)determining the amount of colorimetric change of the reactive zone, andtherefore the concentration of a chemical species. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the image analyzing software performs activestandardization.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the gathered data may indicate that acertain action or group of actions should be taken to maintain orimprove the industrial water system. In certain exemplary embodiments,such an action may be merely a recommended plan of action. In certainexemplary embodiments, the user may take action to maintain or improvethe industrial water system according to the recommended plan of action,wherein the recommended plan of action involves making operationaland/or chemical treatment modifications to the industrial water system.Non-limiting examples of operational actions may include changing a setpoint related to a controlled, process-related (as opposed totreatment-related) physical parameter (e.g., a temperature set point, apressure set point, a flow rate set point, etc., which in turn mayoperate process-related equipment); operating process-related equipment(e.g., changing pump and/or mixer speed, and/or valve position, etc.,which expressly includes performing blowdown); re-sourcing makeup water;and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of chemical actions mayinclude employing or changing a chemical treatment regimen as furtherdescribed herein. These recommendations or actions could be determinedby analyzing gathered data along with known parameters of the processbeing analyzed.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the image analyzing softwareautomatically performs or otherwise assists with the additional functionof determining, implementing, and/or modifying a chemical treatmentregimen for the industrial water system. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the image analyzing software inputs at least one value intoa second software package that determines a chemical treatment regimenfor the industrial water system. Non-limiting examples of modifying achemical treatment regimen may include changing an injection rate of atreatment chemical, changing a concentration set point of a treatmentchemical, changing a treatment chemical, recommending a new treatmentchemical, and combinations thereof. In yet further exemplaryembodiments, the image analyzing software outputs information so that auser may determine a chemical treatment regimen for the industrial watersystem.

In certain exemplary embodiments, data may be output or otherwisetransmitted to an outputting device. As used herein, the term “data”refers to any raw data, calculated values, images, recommended chemicaltreatment regimen, or combinations thereof. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the data is output to an electronic display, e.g., amonitor or screen of some sort, which includes but is not limited to adisplay of a hand held or otherwise portable device. In certainexemplary embodiments, the data is output to a data store or similarperipheral device. In certain exemplary embodiments, the data is outputinto a database for historic or future reference. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the data is output to a printer or similar peripheraldevice.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods, the methodsemploy at least one light. In certain exemplary embodiments, a firstlight illuminates the chemical test strip from the rear (i.e., the sidenot facing the imaging device). In certain exemplary embodiments, thefirst light is an LED. In certain exemplary embodiments, a second lightilluminates the chemical test strip from the front (i.e., the sidefacing the imaging device). In certain exemplary embodiments, the secondlight is an LED. In certain exemplary embodiments, the second light is abuilt-in flash of the imaging device. In certain exemplary embodiments,at least one of the LEDs is a flash LED.

While the exemplary methods disclosed herein may be capable of reliablepractice using only a chemical test strip and an imaging device, incertain other exemplary embodiments, the methods further employ achemical test strip holder to hold the chemical test strip during theimaging of the at least one reactive zone. The chemical test stripholder may address concerns related to reliability and repeatability ofthe methods. While not wishing to be bound to any theory, reliabilityand repeatability in practicing the disclosed methods multiple times formultiple images is believed to be optimal when the images are created ina consistently uniform manner at consistently uniform lighting and aconsistently uniform distance between the chemical test strip and theimaging device, wherein the reactive zones of multiple chemical teststrips are consistently exposed in the same manner. While the chemicaltest strip holder does not address the consistency in exposure to theliquid medium, it does attempt to address the consistency issues relatedto imaging.

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment ofan imaging device imaging a reactive zone of a chemical test strip,which may be a post-exposure reactive zone. The exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1 is directed to a system for colorimetricallydetermining a concentration of at least one chemical species in a liquidmedium. A chemical test strip 300 having a reactive zone 310 has alreadybeen exposed to a liquid medium (not shown). The reactive zone 310 isimaged by an imaging device 10, which comprises an actuator 11, a lens12, and optionally a built-in flash 13. Operably connected to theimaging device 10 is image analyzing software 20. The image analyzingsoftware 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as connected to the imaging device 10with a dotted line. The dotted line is used to denote that the imagingdevice 10 and the image analyzing software may be connected or otherwiseinterfaced in any suitable manner. For example, the image analyzingsoftware 20 may be embedded in logic of the imaging device 10. Asanother example, the image analyzing software 20 may be remotely locatedat another processing unit (not shown). As yet another example, theimage analyzing software 20 may be partially located on the imagingdevice 10 and partially on a remote processing unit (not shown). Whilethe imaging device 10 of FIG. 1 appears to take the form of a hand heldcamera, it is important to note that, as discussed herein, the imagingdevice 10 can be any device capable of creating a digital image that issuitable for colorimetric analysis.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a chemical test stripholder 1. The chemical test strip holder 1 creates an imaging chamber240 (FIG. 4a ) that provides uniformity in lighting and distance betweenthe imaging device 10 (FIG. 1) and the chemical test strip 300 duringimaging of the reactive zone 310 (FIG. 1). While a two-piece embodimentis illustrated, those of skill in the art will readily recognize that,if a single imaging device, or multiple imaging devices having the samelens-flash configuration, are to be used in repeatedly practicing themethods, the chemical test strip holder 1 may need only one piece thatperforms the function of the illustrated embodiment. Another exemplaryembodiment of a chemical test strip holder 1 may have one large openingfor both the lens and the flash, wherein the large opening could beclosed with the imaging device itself so as to control the lightingwithin the imaging chamber 240. Furthermore, in certain exemplaryembodiments, the chemical test strip holder 1 may be constructed of morethan two pieces. Such embodiments are contemplated by the generalinventive concepts.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the chemical test strip holder 1comprises at least two distinct pieces that are capable of removablyattaching to one another. In certain exemplary embodiments, a firstpiece of the chemical test strip holder 1 is an imaging device adaptor100 that can accommodate several different types of imaging devices thatmay have lenses in varying locations. In those exemplary embodimentsemploying the chemical test strip holder 1, the chemical test stripholder 1 may comprise a series of circular holes 120 that allow forpotential camera and LED locations. In certain exemplary embodiments,the imaging device adaptor 100 is additionally capable of being operablyattached to a second piece as further described herein. In certainexemplary embodiments, the imaging device adaptor 100 comprisesrectangular slots 110 for mounting a test strip stabilizer 200, as thesecond piece of the chemical test strip holder 1, so as to create anenclosure that allows for more uniform imaging of the reactive zone ofthe chemical test strip 300, and therefore greater repeatability acrossmultiple images and chemical test strips.

Turning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates the imaging device adaptor 100 andthe test strip stabilizer 200 attached to each other at a position onthe imaging device adaptor 100 for the two-piece embodiment illustratedin FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4a and 4b further illustrate the test strip stabilizer 200. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the test strip stabilizer 200 is abox-shaped device that forms an imaging chamber 240 and has one sideessentially open. The essentially open side is covered by the imagingdevice adaptor 100 when the two pieces are attached to one another. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the test strip stabilizer 200 maycomprise rectangular extensions 210 that interface with the rectangularslots 110 of the imaging device adaptor 100 when present.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the test strip stabilizer 200comprises at least one test strip display slot 260. In certain exemplaryembodiments, each test strip display slot 260 is opened and closed via adoor 220. In certain exemplary embodiments, the door 220 is a slidingpanel. The distance “d” indicates the distance between the imagingdevice adaptor 100 and the chemical test strip 300. Uniformity in thedistance “d” and the lighting during imaging is believed to provideimproved reliability and repeatability in the inventive methods andsystems.

In certain exemplary embodiments, a rear side of the test stripstabilizer 200 includes a hole that allows for the aforementioned rearillumination via the first light, or the rear side may include a solidwall with a built-in light source, either of which can be illustrated asitem 250 of FIG. 4a (note: Item 250 in FIG. 4b illustrates the built-inlight source option). In certain exemplary embodiments, the built-inlight source, when employed, is a built-in LED. In other words, thebuilt-in LED, when present, would be the first light. Such a built-inLED may be battery-powered and may also include an on-off switch.

Any patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein byreference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of thisdisclosure.

To the extent that the terms “include,” “includes,” or “including” areused in the specification or the claims, they are intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A orB), it is intended to mean “A or B or both A and B.” When the applicantsintend to indicate “only A or B but not both,” then the term “only A orB but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein isthe inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, ADictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d ed. 1995). Also, to the extentthat the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or theclaims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore,to the extent that the term “connect” is used in the specification orthe claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” butalso “indirectly connected to” such as connected through anothercomponent or components. In the present disclosure, the words “a” or“an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural.Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate,include the singular.

All ranges and parameters disclosed herein are understood to encompassany and all sub-ranges assumed and subsumed therein, and every numberbetween the endpoints. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” shouldbe considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusiveof) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, allsubranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more (e.g., 1 to 6.1),and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 2.3 to 9.4, 3 to 8,4 to 7), and finally to each number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10contained within the range.

The general inventive concepts have been illustrated, at least in part,by describing various exemplary embodiments thereof. While theseexemplary embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it isnot the Applicant's intent to restrict or in any way limit the scope ofthe appended claims to such detail. Furthermore, the various inventiveconcepts may be utilized in combination with one another (e.g., one ormore of the first, second, third, fourth, etc., exemplary embodimentsmay be utilized in combination with each other). Additionally, anyparticular element recited as relating to a particularly disclosedembodiment should be interpreted as available for use with all disclosedembodiments, unless incorporation of the particular element would becontradictory to the express terms of the embodiment. Additionaladvantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is notlimited to the specific details presented therein, the representativeapparatus, or the illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the general inventive concepts.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of colorimetrically determining aconcentration of at least one chemical species in industrial water, themethod comprising: exposing a reactive zone of a chemical test strip toat least a portion of the industrial water thereby creating apost-exposure reactive zone; imaging the post-exposure reactive zoneusing an imaging device thereby creating a digital image of thepost-exposure reactive zone; optionally cropping the digital image ofthe post-exposure reactive zone to isolate a portion of the digitalimage for analysis; analyzing at least one colorimetric parameter of atleast the portion of the digital image of the post-exposure reactivezone using image analyzing software to determine the concentration ofthe at least one chemical species; and optionally outputting thedetermined concentration of the at least one chemical species of theindustrial water.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingautomatically recommending a plan of action to maintain efficientoperation of an industrial water system based on the analysis of thedigital image of the post-exposure reactive zone.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein the plan of action includes at least one implementation andmodification of a chemical treatment regimen.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the image analyzing software is incorporated into the imagingdevice.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the image analyzing softwareis accessed from a location remote from the imaging device.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the digital image is transmitted via anetwork.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the concentration of the atleast one chemical species is determined via a color change of thepost-exposure reactive zone.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein theconcentration of the at least one chemical species is determined via aplurality of post-exposure reactive zones on the chemical test strip. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one colorimetric parameteris selected from the group consisting of: tint, color value, colorintensity, brightness, contrast, and combinations thereof.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising using a chemical test strip holderto hold the chemical test strip during the imaging of the post-exposurereactive zone.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising takingaction based on the determined concentration.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein the action taken is an operational action selected fromchanging a set point related to a controlled, process-related physicalparameter, operating process-related equipment, re-sourcing makeupwater, and combinations thereof.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein theaction taken is modification of a chemical treatment regimen, themodification selected from changing an injection rate of a treatmentchemical, recommending a new treatment chemical, and combinationsthereof.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the modification ischanging an injection rate of a treatment chemical.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising illuminating the chemical test strip fromthe rear during the imaging of the post-exposure reactive zone.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising illuminating the chemical teststrip from the rear during the imaging of the post-exposure reactivezone.
 17. A system for colorimetrically determining a concentration ofat least one chemical species in a liquid medium, the system comprising:a chemical test strip having a reactive zone, the reactive zone operableto change color in the presence of the at least one chemical species; animaging device capable of creating a digital image of the reactive zoneof the chemical test strip after the reactive zone has been exposed tothe liquid medium; image analyzing software capable of analyzing atleast one colorimetric parameter of the digital image of the reactivezone and determining the concentration of the at least one chemicalspecies in the liquid medium based on the analysis of the at least onecolorimetric parameter; a chemical test strip holder forming an imagingchamber to provide uniformity in lighting and distance between theimaging device and the chemical test strip during imaging of thereactive zone; and a light source configured for rear illumination ofthe chemical test strip.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the atleast one colorimetric parameter is selected from the group consistingof: tint, color value, color intensity, brightness, contrast, andcombinations thereof.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the imagingdevice is a hand held device having a weight no greater than 1 lb.
 20. Amethod of colorimetrically determining a concentration of at least onechemical species in a liquid medium, the method comprising: exposing areactive zone of a chemical test strip to at least a portion of theliquid medium thereby creating a post-exposure reactive zone; imagingthe post-exposure reactive zone using an imaging device whileilluminating the chemical test strip from the rear, thereby creating adigital image of the post-exposure reactive zone; optionally croppingthe digital image of the post-exposure reactive zone to isolate aportion of the digital image for analysis; analyzing at least onecolorimetric parameter of at least the portion of the digital image ofthe post-exposure reactive zone using image analyzing software todetermine the concentration of the at least one chemical species; andoptionally outputting the determined concentration of the at least onechemical species of the liquid medium.